Working from home has become the norm for a lot of people since the pandemic. While there are undoubtedly a lot of benefits to working from home, it also offers a range of challenges.
Getting used to working from home can be the biggest challenge, particularly if there are a lot of distractions. For this reason, a dedicated office space can come in handy. However, did you know a poorly designed office space can negatively impact productivity?
Even the type of floor you choose can affect how well you work. So, when looking for flooring for a home office, what things should you consider? Here, UK retailer Stories Flooring, reveals 5 things to focus on when selecting home office flooring…
1. Durability
With a home office, your floor won’t typically be exposed to a high level of foot traffic. This means you can choose practically any type of floor. However, one thing you will need to pay attention to is whether the floor has been tested against castor chairs.
Office chairs these days tend to come with castor wheels. As they roll across the floor, they could cause scratches or dents. Floors that have been tested against castor wheel use will offer the best durability for your home office.
2. Space
To create the ideal office environment, you need to factor in your current space. For example, is it small or spacious? If the office is small, you’ll want a lighter floor that gives it a more spacious look. If it is quite large on the other hand, a darker tone can help to create a more intimate and formal space.
3. Fire Resistance
One thing you might not have considered for your home office flooring is safety. You’d assume most floors come with a fire-resistant surface. However, some have been more rigorously tested than others. LVT flooring, for example, tends to perform well in fire tests, while solid wood flooring is one of the more flammable materials.
4. Maintenance
Your home office space should be practical, so consider how much maintenance you are willing to spend on the floor. Solid wood flooring is a great choice for offices, but it does require a lot of maintenance to keep it protected. LVT or SPC flooring is much easier to maintain, and it also comes at a fraction of the cost of wood flooring.
If you don’t want to sacrifice that real wood effect, engineered oak flooring is a great option. It is much easier to maintain than solid wood.
5. Comfort
The final thing to consider with home office flooring is comfort. You are going to spend a lot of time in your office so your floor needs to be comfortable. LVT and laminate floors offer the most amount of comfort. Laminate can be enhanced with a cushioned underlay, while some LVT floors are built with a cushioned design.
If you’re sticking with engineered wood, many floors are compatible with underfloor heating. This can help to add comfort and warmth in colder weather.
If you take the time to find the right floor for your home office, it can greatly boost productivity. Ensuring you are comfortable and happy in your chosen space will make it much easier and nicer to work in.